Athabasca University

What you'll study

The concentration requires a minimum of 36 credits in English, including at least 24 senior-level (300/400) credits. Programme-wide requirements and limits include a total programme credit expectation of 90 with at least 54 senior-level credits and 66 credits in Arts (Humanities and Social Science). Specific English-course requirements include:

• 3 junior (200-level) credits in composition (for example ENGL 255).
• 6 junior (200-level) credits in literary genres (for example ENGL 211 and ENGL 212).
• 3 senior (300/400-level) credits in literary theory (for example ENGL 316 and ENGL 423).
• 3 senior (300/400-level) credits in Indigenous literature (for example ENGL 308).
• 21 credits of English electives chosen from courses labelled ENGL (excluding all 100-level English courses; 100-level English courses do not count toward the concentration).

Students are advised to select courses covering British, Canadian and American literature across genres and historical periods and to include courses that address global, non-canonical or marginalized perspectives.

Entry requirements

Students who already hold a previous degree must enrol in the Bachelor of Arts four-year program and follow second undergraduate degree requirements rather than this three-year degree. English writing skills must be demonstrated by one of the following: credit in ENGL 255; or a grade of B- (70%) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the 100 level; or credit for an English course in which a B- or better was achieved.

Career prospects

The programme builds analytical, interpretive and writing abilities applicable across many sectors such as communications, education, public service, publishing, and cultural organizations. The three-year BA is a well-regarded credential in Canada and the United States, but it is not designed to provide direct entry to most graduate programs—students often need an additional year of study to meet graduate-entry requirements.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

As an undergraduate liberal-arts programme, funding opportunities may include institutional scholarships, bursaries and awards for Arts students, as well as external scholarships for literature and humanities study. Students should consult Athabasca University’s registrar and financial aid pages for current scholarship and residency criteria; note the programme has a residency requirement of a minimum of 30 credits taken through Athabasca University (and at least 24 AU credits are required to be considered for Graduation with Distinction/Great Distinction).